Born an introvert, 99% of my photographs end up being only objects and architecture, not people. By forcing myself to photograph not only people, but strangers, I'm hoping to use my attention to detail to better understand all of the New Yorkers around me.
I thought this man was unique in his mission until I later saw three different men with the exact same sign, all patrolling different corners of Times Square. I saw a different set of four men the next day. Yet another reason to never, ever go there; the pleas for weed money are also mass-produced.
(Times Square, Manhattan)
The lobby lights were especially harsh and bright, so there was no way I could miss seeing him. I was worried the door guard would be angry with me for taking this picture, until I considered he wasn’t doing anything to intervene in the first place. Please tell me this man isn’t one of those wifi hotspots.
(Midtown, Manhattan)
While I should have published this picture closer to Christmas when I actually took it, I think it works on a weirder level for Easter. This is what the Easter chicks grow into: Come December, they will be towering, feathered runway models with stick-thin arms and couture frocks. They will be unstoppable.
(Midtown, Manhattan)
There are a lot of ways to make a buck in this city. Some of them involve working long hours and living in fear of being usurped by your competition. Some of them are more free-spirited and creative, like finally landing a dream role in an off-Broadway play. In at least one case, you can make a dollar by training a cat to sit on your head and demanding money in exchange for photographs. Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to claim this cat as a dependent on his taxes come April 15th.
(5th Ave Midtown, Manhattan)
Nestled among the tourists in our chaotic Times Square, I spotted this little old man and his binoculars. He only raised them periodically, but when he did he gazed in the same direction. Was he looking in a specific window of a particular building, hoping to spy on someone? Was he getting a closer look at a commercial as it flashed up on the screen in front of him? Are there actually birds to watch besides pigeons around here?
(Times Square, Manhattan)
Let’s all take the moment to debate the politics of this household, where one tiny dog has earned the distinction of wearing a T-shirt and the other has not. This might even warrant a sitcom on a major network by the time we are done with our debate. (West Villiage, Manhattan)
New York City: Where perfectly reasonable, sane people willingly stand next to big, foul-smelling mountains of garbage. Full of rats, possibly both of the rodent and snitching variety.
(Meatpacking District, Manhattan)
I honor of our nation’s independence, I present to you a child with a toy machine gun eating dinner on a fancy table cloth. If the British were coming today, he stands as evidence that we would still be prepared. Additionally…what kind of shoes are those?!?! The tread is sick.
(Little Italy, Manhattan)
I don’t have a bicycle, but I really want one. It’s been so long since I’ve ridden a bicycle that I can’t even consider trying it without a helmet. Even though I’ll have horrible, sweaty hair, at least I won’t have a busted noggin. All that considered, I can’t see myself even trying to use a phone on a bike. My clumsiness would be disastrous. (Pier 54, Manhattan)
Welcome to the summer in NYC, tourists from around the world! Come and see our skyscrapers, eat our cheesecake and hot dogs, and make sure to get pictures of our local…characters…like the subway rats. I don’t think Mayor Bloomberg would approve of this message. (Union Square Station, Manhattan)
This guy must have one crazy story. He circled endlessly on the end of the pier, his hands held out in front of him as if he was holding a beach ball, except his palms faced outward. He took ever step deliberately, almost like there were marks on the ground which dictated exactly where his foot should fall. He only broke his position once, to adjust his hat. (Pier 54, Manhattan)
Subway hoedown. Yeeeeeeeee-haaaw! Also, check out the feathers on the hem of her skirt. (Grand Central Station, Manhattan)
Maybe he liked the attention. It’s not all the time that the crew gets papped instead of the cast. Either way, he flashed this peace sign to let me know he saw me zooming in on him. A little embarrassing, but it made me smile. (Little W 12th Street, Manhattan)
These men drew my attention because the man in the green coat was so excited to get on the subway. I have no idea if it was due to their destination (hooray, Queens?) or if he was just having an awesome day, but he was grinning and pointing when the train pulled up. I hope they had a rockin’ night. (Herald Square N Train Station, Manhattan)
I drive a beat up ‘94 Honda Civic with a tape deck and no sun roof. It’s in much worse condition than it’s ever been in before just from the abuse NYC brings upon it. Even if I had the money, I don’t think I could bring myself to spend money on an expensive car while driving it in NYC. If this man has even just a bit of passive-aggressiveness in his system, I suggest he scratches this car. Then it will better blend in with the rest of us street side-parkers. :) (14th Street & 10th Avenue, Manhattan)
